Apple’s long-rumoured camera-equipped AirPods Pro are back in the spotlight. While one leaker claims they won’t cost more than today’s model, that’s a hard sell.
According to a brief post from known leaker Kosutami, Apple’s next-generation AirPods Pro will be able to “see around you”.
This is a not-so-subtle nod to the persistent rumours about built-in cameras. Notably, the post suggests that Apple won’t raise the price despite the added hardware. On paper, that sounds generous.
The idea of camera-equipped AirPods isn’t new. Analysts, including Ming-Chi Kuo have been talking about imaging sensors in AirPods since mid-2024. These sensors were originally pitched as a way to enhance Spatial Audio and work alongside devices like the Vision Pro.
Since then, Apple has also been granted patents describing wearable cameras used for proximity sensing and environmental awareness. These are less “tiny GoPro”, more intelligent depth and context detection.
That’s where Apple Intelligence comes in. For Apple’s AI features to understand what’s happening around you, they need visual input. Until Apple figures out smart glasses, AirPods are an obvious alternative. They are already sitting at head height with microphones, sensors and Siri access. Cameras or infrared sensors could feed visual data into Apple Intelligence. In addition, this would complement what your iPhone camera already captures.
Still, adding cameras – even small, specialised ones – isn’t a minor tweak. Apple has historically absorbed modest upgrades without hiking prices. However, entirely new sensor systems usually come with a premium. That makes the idea of camera-equipped AirPods Pro costing the same as the current model feel unlikely. Especially when Apple is already positioning Apple Intelligence as a headline feature worth upgrading for.
It’s also worth noting that Kosutami’s track record is mixed. The leaker has previously shared genuine-looking Apple prototypes, but has also made claims that didn’t pan out. This was particularly around the Apple Watch. There’s no release window mentioned either. Though Kuo has suggested mass production could begin in 2026, which would put these AirPods at least a year away.
If and when they arrive, camera-enabled AirPods Pro are unlikely to be a quiet update. They’d represent a meaningful shift in what Apple’s wearables can do. Historically, those shifts don’t come cheap. Whether Apple tries to soften the blow or simply leans into the upgrade narrative remains to be seen. But don’t be shocked if “seeing” AirPods end up costing a little more than the ones you’re wearing now.
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